Contested Divorce

Houston Spanish-Speaking Contested Divorce Lawyer

In the minority of divorce cases that cannot be resolved by an agreement between the parties, the case must be decided through a formal contested trial before a judge. There are many reasons why the parties may be unable to reach an agreement. Whatever the cause of the parties' disagreement, in a contested divorce case, Mr. Hart will vigorously present your case in divorce court and will advocate aggressively on your behalf in an effort to attain your desired objectives and outcomes. As the outcome of a case in divorce litigation is never certain, Mr. Hart cannot guarantee results, but he is committed to doing his best to obtain a favorable outcome to your case.

Terry L. Hart is an experienced family law trial attorney focused on achieving the most practical and pragmatic solutions for his clients. His professionalism and personal service are attributes that comfort clients enduring the anxiety and uncertainty of a contested divorce in Texas.

Tireless Counsel in Contested Divorce Litigation

Contested divorce cases involve a high level of stress and a high level of expense, which is why many couples concentrate their efforts on achieving solutions to disputed issues, such as complex property distribution or determination of child custody, through arduous negotiation and mediation sessions. In some cases, however, going to trial is the only manner of obtaining the relief necessary to achieve the desired objectives and outcomes. Particularly, when the case concerns the well-being of your child, incurring the expense associated with a contested divorce case may be unavoidable.

Attorney Terry Hart makes it his goal to resolve issues such as property division, child custody, child support and alimony with as little acrimony as possible. However, if a trial is unavoidable to achieve a result that is in your best interests and the best interests of your child, he will aggressively fight for your rights throughout the entire process of divorce litigation.

• Preliminary hearings: Contested divorces often involve significant conflict between the parties. The court may be required to issue temporary orders for the duration of divorce proceedings, such as temporary child custody, visitation and support orders, temporary alimony/spousal support and temporary restraining orders. Restraining orders may be necessary to keep a spouse from diminishing the value of the marital home or bank account or from acquiring significant liabilities.
• Discovery and trial preparation: Each party is required by Texas divorce laws to disclose all assets and liabilities in order to identify property as separate or community property. Mr. Hart involves private investigators when necessary to ensure the other spouse has fully cooperated with discovery requirements. Identifying and valuating hidden assets is essential to ensuring property distribution is fair and equitable, particularly in high asset divorce cases where unidentified business interests, rental income or investment dividends may be of concern. Mr. Hart carefully evaluates property to determine if financial traces require separate property to be reclassified as community property due to commingling with marital property, and asserts his clients' interests in such conflicts.
• Trial: Many cases that proceed through the contested divorce process are eventually resolved by the parties prior to the final disposition of the judge. In these instances, the judge approves the agreement and issues the final divorce decree. However, Mr. Hart has the experience, dedication and trial skills to effectively represent his clients' interests throughout the case if it must go to trial. The court will consider a number of factors to determine what is just, right and in the best interests of the children, whether determining property division, child custody, spousal maintenance or child support. Mr. Hart carefully presents issues before the judge in a manner that demonstrates his client's position on important issues involving child custody and visitation, the division of marital assets and debts, and other points of conflict.

For a free consultation with a Houston Spanish-speaking contested divorce attorney: Contact Terry Hart to discuss your legal questions. Se habla español.